Surface flow enhancement device and method of using the same on a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A detachable surface flow enhancement device is provided, comprising: an aerodynamic structure configured to deflect moving air incident upon the aerodynamic structure; and an attaching element configured to attach the aerodynamic structure to a surface of a vehicle and to detach the aerodynamic structure from the surface of the vehicle without altering the surface of the vehicle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present claimed invention relates in general to increasing fluidflow as it moves across moving vehicles. More specifically it relates tosurface flow enhancement devices that can be placed upon the surfaces ofvehicles to enhance the circulation of the fluid across the surface areaby increasing its flow rate to reduce frictional resistance, vortices ordrag, eliminating the vacuum at the trailing edge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

All vehicles pass through a fluid environment as they move. For example,cars and airplanes move through air, boats move through air and water,and submarines move through water. As these vehicles move through theirfluid environment, the fluid (e.g., air or water) is slowed down by thefrictional resistance of the surface area of the body of the vehicle.This creates a layer of turbulent fluid flow that circulates along thevehicle slower than the fluid flow that is not in contact with thesurface area of the vehicle. The varying speeds of fluid layers meetbehind the vehicle, or any protuberances thereon, such as mirrors, wheelwells, rudders or propellers, as the vehicle moves through the fluid atdifferential rates so as to form a low pressure area, or vacuumimmediately behind the vehicle, or its protuberances. The turbulentlayer and vortices create a drag force, which opposes the motion of thevehicle through the fluid environment. In this way, the front, sides,top, bottom, and even rear of a vehicle can contribute to the drag thatvehicle suffers while in transit through the fluid environment.

One aspect of the drag force caused by fluid resistance is that causedby trailing vortices that result from the vehicle moving through thefluid, the so-called turbulent flow. Depending upon the shape and formof the vehicle, a variety of vortices can be formed along all surfacesof the vehicle. These vortices in the fluid hold the vehicle back,increasing the energy needed to move the vehicle forward. Another aspectof the drag force caused by fluid resistance involves the frictionalresistance of the fluid as it passes over the various surfaces of thevehicle.

As a result of this, the speed and efficiency of a vehicle movingthrough the fluid environment is limited not only by the drag forcescreated by turbulent flow, but also by drag forces caused by frictionalfluid resistance to the surface of the vehicle, which depends on theamount of fluid traveling along and past the vehicle.

Furthermore, the amount of drag caused by these sources is directlyrelated to the amount of fuel needed to move the vehicle. As a result,much effort is made to design aerodynamic or hydrodynamic vehicles thatminimize the amount of drag on the vehicle.

Unfortunately, compromises must be made in vehicle design to accommodateother parameters than just fluid resistance. Engine design, passengercomfort, safety requirements, cargo space, and even aesthetics can meanthat a vehicle's design creates many undesirable vortices as it passesthrough its fluid environment.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a device to control the flowof a fluid as it flows past the surface of a vehicle to retard thecreation of vortices that create drag against the vehicle. It would befurther desirable to make this device easily attachable or detachable sothat it could be more effectively added to existing vehicles or addedafter market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A detachable surface flow enhancement device is provided, comprising: anaerodynamic structure configured to deflect moving air incident upon theaerodynamic structure; and an attaching element configured to attach theaerodynamic structure to a surface of a vehicle and to detach theaerodynamic structure from the surface of the vehicle without alteringthe surface of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the attaching element does not pass through thesurface of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the attaching element doesnot employ an adhesive material to attach the aerodynamic structure tothe surface of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the surface of thevehicle is a substantially smooth surface without perforations.

The aerodynamic structure has a teardrop shape. In some embodiments, theteardrop shape may have a length between 1 and 5 inches, and theteardrop shape may have a width between 0.5 and 2.5 inches.

The aerodynamic structure may also have one of a fin shape and an ovalshape with a rear fin.

A surface flow enhancement device is provided, comprising: anaerodynamic portion having a teardrop shape; and an attachment portionhaving a substantially flat surface configured to attach to a surface ofa vehicle, wherein the teardrop shape has a length between 1 and 5inches, and wherein the teardrop shape has a width between 0.5 and 2.5inches.

The aerodynamic portion may form a concavity. The attachment portion maybe formed at least as a peripheral portion around a lip of theconcavity. The aerodynamic portion may comprise a first material, andthe attachment portion may comprise a second material softer than thefirst material. The first material comprises one of flexiblepolyurethane, flexible thermal plastic urethane, flexible silicone, orflexible polyvinylchloride, and the second material may comprise one offlexible urethane, flexible silicone, flexible polyvinylchloride.

An attachment element may be formed in the concavity and may beconfigured to attach to the surface of the vehicle. The attachmentelement may include a securing magnet configured to attach to thesurface of the vehicle when the surface of the vehicle comprises amagnetic metal. The concavity formed by the aerodynamic surface may besurrounded by a substantially coplanar lip, and the attachment elementmay be configured not to rise to a level of the substantially coplanarlip. The securing magnet may be a rare-earth magnet.

A method of altering a position of a removable surface flow enhancementdevice on a vehicle surface is provided, comprising: attaching theremovable surface flow enhancement device to the surface of the vehicleat a first position; removing the removable surface flow enhancementdevice from the surface of the vehicle without damaging the surface ofthe vehicle; moving the removable surface flow enhancement device to asecond position on the surface of the vehicle; attaching the removablesurface flow enhancement device to the surface of the vehicle at thesecond position.

The vehicle may be on one of: an automobile, a boat, a ship, asubmarine, an airplane, or a helicopter. When the vehicle is anautomobile, the first position may be one of on a roof of the car, on afront hood of the car, on a side door of the car, or on a back hood ofthe car. When the vehicle is a boat, the first position may be on thehull of the boat. When the vehicle is an airplane, the first positionmay be one of: the fuselage of the airplane, or the wing of theairplane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements and which together with thedetailed description below are incorporated in and form part of thespecification, serve to further illustrate an exemplary embodiment andto explain various principles and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIGS. 1A to 1E are diagrams of a surface flow enhancement deviceaccording to a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surface flow enhancement device ofFIGS. 1A to 1E from above;

FIG. 3 is perspective view of the surface flow enhancement device ofFIGS. 1A to 1E from below;

FIG. 4A is a cross-section of the surface flow enhancement device ofFIGS. 1A to 1E along line I-I from FIGS. 1D and 1E according to adisclosed embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a cross-section of the surface flow enhancement device ofFIGS. 1A to 1E along line I-I from FIGS. 1D and 1E according to analternate embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the surface flow enhancement device ofFIGS. 1A to 1E from above and affixed to a surface of a vehicle;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of multiple copies of the surface flowenhancement device of FIGS. 1A to 1E from above and affixed to a surfaceof a vehicle;

FIGS. 7A to 7E are diagrams of a surface flow enhancement deviceaccording to another disclosed embodiment;

FIGS. 8A to 8E are diagrams of a surface flow enhancement deviceaccording to another disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of a vehicle showing a placement of an array ofthe surface flow enhancement device of FIGS. 1A to 1E on a top of thevehicle, according to a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an overhead view of a vehicle showing a placement of an arrayof the surface flow enhancement device of FIGS. 1A to 1E on a top of thevehicle, according to a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing air flow from above of a vehicle using anarray of the surface flow enhancement device of FIGS. 1A to 1E,according to a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing air flow from the right and rear of avehicle using an array of the surface flow enhancement device of FIGS.1A to 1E, according to a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing air flow from the rear of a vehicle usingan array of the surface flow enhancement device of FIGS. 1A to 1E,according to a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing isoturbulence from the right and rear of avehicle using an array of the surface flow enhancement device of FIGS.1A to 1E, according to a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing isoturbulence from the rear of a vehicleusing an array of the surface flow enhancement device of FIGS. 1A to 1E,according to a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an overhead view of a vehicle showing a placement of an arrayof surface flow enhancement devices on a top of a vehicle, according todisclosed embodiments;

FIG. 17 is an overhead view of a vehicle showing a placement of an arrayof surface flow enhancement devices on a top of a vehicle, according todisclosed embodiments;

FIG. 18 is an overhead view of a vehicle showing a placement of an arrayof surface flow enhancement devices on a side of a vehicle, according todisclosed embodiments; and

FIG. 19 is an overhead view of a vehicle showing a placement of an arrayof surface flow enhancement devices on a front of a vehicle, accordingto disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The instant disclosure is provided to further explain in an enablingfashion the best modes of performing one or more embodiments of thepresent invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance anunderstanding and appreciation for the inventive principles andadvantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention.The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including anyamendments made during the pendency of this application and allequivalents of those claims as issued.

It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as firstand second, and the like, if any, are used solely to distinguish onefrom another entity, item, or action without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities,items or actions. It is noted that some embodiments may include aplurality of processes or steps, which can be performed in any order,unless expressly and necessarily limited to a particular order; i.e.,processes or steps that are not so limited may be performed in anyorder.

Surface Flow Enhancement Device

FIGS. 1A to 1E are diagrams of a surface flow enhancement device 100according to a disclosed embodiment. FIG. 1A is a front view; FIG. 1B isa rear view; FIG. 1C is a left side view; FIG. 1D is a top view; andFIG. 1E is a bottom view.

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1E, the surface flow enhancement device 100 hasa generally half-teardrop shape, curved at a front end, pointed at arear end, and flat on the bottom. The surface flow enhancement device100 of this embodiment includes a main surface 110, a concavity 120, aprotrusion 130, and a magnet 140.

The main surface 110 forms the half-teardrop shape with a flat bottom.This flat bottom allows it to be placed on a relatively flat surface ofa vehicle and allows the main surface 110 to deflect fluid (e.g., air orwater) moving past the surface of the vehicle.

In the disclosed embodiments, the length (L) of the surface flowenhancement device 100 is about 2.5 inches; the width (W) of the surfaceflow enhancement device 100 is about 1.2 inches; and the height (H) ofthe surface flow enhancement device 100 is about 1 inch. However, thisis by way of example only. The length (L), width (W), and height (H) mayvary depending upon the size of the body of the vehicle they are used onand the expected speed of the vehicles. For example, on a mid-sizedautomobile that will travel at speeds of between 40 and 80 miles perhour, the length (L) may vary between approximately 1 and 5 inches; thewidth (W) may vary between approximately 0.5 and 2.5 inches; and theheight (H) may vary between approximately 0.5 and 2 inches.

In more general terms, the shape of the main surface should be chosensuch that it is proportionally wider at the front end than at thetrailing end, and that its overall surface area is approximately twicethat of its footprint.

In the disclosed embodiments, the main surface 110 is made out ofpolyurethane. However, in alternate embodiments any similar tough,flexible material can be used. In other alternate embodiments a fixedmaterial, such as metal or hard plastic can be used.

The concavity 120 is a hollow area formed inside of the main surface110, and serves to make the surface flow enhancement device 100 bothlighter and cheaper to manufacture. In the disclosed embodiments, italso allows the main surface to deform slightly as the surface flowenhancement device 100 is affixed to the surface of a vehicle, expellingsome of the air from the concavity 120, and creating a low-pressure sealwith the surface of the vehicle.

The protrusion 130 extends from the main surface 110 into the concavity120 and forms a holder for the magnet 140. In this embodiment, theprotrusion extends toward, but not quite reaching, the flat end of themain surface.

The magnet 140 is contained securely in the protrusion 130, and isprovided to attach securely to the surface of the vehicle when thesurface is a magnetic metal. In the disclosed embodiments, the magnet140 is a rare-earth magnet, though alternate embodiments could use othertypes of magnets. In addition, although only one magnet 140 is providedin this embodiment, alternate embodiments could employ two or moremagnets 140, each secured by the same or a different protrusion 130.Furthermore, although one or more magnets 140 are shown as an affixingelement in the disclosed embodiments, alternate elements for affixingthe surface flow enhancement device 100 to the surface of a vehicle canbe employed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surface flow enhancement device 100of FIGS. 1A to 1E from above, while FIG. 3 is perspective view of thesurface flow enhancement device 100 of FIGS. 1A to 1E from below. Takenin conjunction with FIGS. 1A to 1E, FIGS. 2 and 3 show further detailsof the shape of the main surface 110 of the surface flow enhancementdevice 100, and the arrangement of the protrusion 130 and the magnet 140within the concavity 120 formed by the main surface 110.

FIG. 4A is a cross-section of the surface flow enhancement device 100 ofFIGS. 1A to 1E along line I-I from FIGS. 1D and 1E. As shown in FIG. 4A,in this embodiment, the protrusion 130 and the magnet 140 are formedwithin the concavity 120 such that the magnet 140 is substantiallycoplanar with the bottom surface of the main surface 110, but isrecessed in the concavity 120 by a gap (G). Because of this, when thesurface flow enhancement device 100 of FIG. 4 is placed on a magneticmetal surface of a vehicle in an above-water environment (i.e., in air,not in water), the magnet 140 will pull the main surface 110 downslightly as it makes contact with the surface of a vehicle, slightlydeforming the main surface 110, and expelling air from the concavity120. This will make the pressure in the concavity 120 slightly lowerthan the outside pressure, creating a low-pressure seal that willincrease the holding power of the surface flow enhancement device 100onto the surface of the vehicle, beyond that provided by the magnetalone.

In addition, by employing this structure to affix the surface flowenhancement device 100 to the surface of a vehicle, the surface flowenhancement device 100 can be made more secure during normal operationof the vehicle, but also more easily removable when desired.

FIG. 4B is a cross-section of an alternate embodiment of the surfaceflow enhancement device 100 of FIGS. 1A to 1E along line I-I from FIGS.1D and 1E. As shown in FIG. 4B, this embodiment is similar to theembodiment of FIG. 4A, except that the main surface 110 comprises anaerodynamic portion 450 and an attachment portion 460. The aerodynamicportion 450 is made of a material that is hard enough to withstand thepressure of fluid against it without deforming. In various embodimentsaerodynamic portion 450 may be made of flexible polyurethane, flexiblethermal plastic urethane, flexible silicone, or flexiblepolyvinylchloride, or any other suitable material. The attachmentportion 460 is made of a material that can easily connect with thesurface of a vehicle, simultaneously creating a seal and not damagingthe vehicle's surface. In various embodiments attachment portion 460 maybe made of flexible polyurethane, flexible thermal plastic urethane,flexible silicone, or flexible polyvinylchloride, or any other suitablematerial. The aerodynamic portion 450 may be made of the same materialas the attachment portion 460, or a different material.

In some embodiments, the attachment portion 460 is formed to be softerthan the aerodynamic portion 450 (i.e., having a durometer lower thanthe aerodynamic portion 450). The can be particularly advantageous whenthe surface of the vehicle on which the surface flow enhancement device100 is to be used may be susceptible to scratching.

As described in the embodiments above, the surface flow enhancementdevice 100 is affixed to the surface of a vehicle by a combination ofmagnetism and a low-pressure seal between the concavity 120 and thesurface of the vehicle. This combination of forces can provide a verysecure attachment of the surface flow enhancement device 100 to thesurface of the vehicle during normal operation. This secure attachmentwill be sufficient to allow the surface flow enhancement device 100 toresist being moved by the force of fluid pressing against it as thevehicle moves.

However, should a user desire to remove the surface flow enhancementdevice 100 (e.g., to relocate it, replace it, repair it, etc.), the usercan deform the main body 110 by simple pressure between two fingers.This will break the seal between the concavity 120 and the surface ofthe vehicle, leaving only the magnetic affixing between the magnet 140and the surface of the vehicle. The user can then simply pull thesurface flow enhancement device 100 off of the surface of the vehicle.

Fluid flowing against the surface flow enhancement device 100 duringnormal operation of the vehicle will not provide the pinpoint pressurethat a user's fingers can, and so will not distort the main body 110 orbreak the seal between the concavity 120 and the surface of the vehicle.As a result, during normal operation of the vehicle, the surface flowenhancement device 100 will remain affixed to the surface of the vehicleby both magnetic force and the low-pressure seal between the concavity120 and the surface of the vehicle, and will be able to withstand agreat deal of force exerted against it by fluid passing over the surfaceof the vehicle.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the surface flow enhancement device 100of FIGS. 1A to 1E from above and affixed to a surface of a vehicle. Asshown by FIG. 5, the surface flow enhancement device 100 is affixed tothe surface 510 of a vehicle such that the flat side of the main surface110 is pressed against the surface of the vehicle.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of multiple copies of the surface flowenhancement device 100 of FIGS. 1A to 1E from above and affixed to asurface 510 of a vehicle. As shown by FIG. 6, more than one surface flowenhancement device 100 can be used in an array to increase theirefficiency. FIG. 6 shows the surface flow enhancement devices 100 placedin a linear array. However, alternate embodiments could place them inany sort of regular or irregular array as desired to reduce theformation of vortices.

Alternate Surface Flow Enhancement Device Shapes

Although a single surface flow enhancement device 100 is describedabove, this is only by way of example. Alternate shapes can be used forthe surface flow enhancement device 100 in other embodiments. FIGS. 7Ato 7E and FIGS. 8A to 8E show two exemplary alternate embodiments.However other shapes can be used in alternate embodiments that serve toalign circulation and retard the formation of vortices.

FIGS. 7A to 7E are diagrams of a surface flow enhancement device 700according to another disclosed embodiment. FIG. 7A is a front view; FIG.7B is a rear view; FIG. 7C is a left side view; FIG. 7E is a top view;and FIG. 7E is a bottom view.

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7E, the surface flow enhancement device 700 isgenerally fin-shaped, with a curved front, a pointed rear, and a flatbottom. The surface flow enhancement device 700 of this embodimentincludes a main surface 710, a concavity 720, a protrusion 730, and twomagnets 740.

The main surface 710 forms the fin shape with a flat bottom. This flatbottom allows it to be placed on a relatively flat surface of a vehicleand allows the main surface 710 to deflect fluid (e.g., air or water)moving past the surface of the vehicle.

In the disclosed embodiments, the length (L₂) of the surface flowenhancement device 700 is about 2.5 inches; the width (W₂) of thesurface flow enhancement device 700 is about 1.75 inches; and the height(H₂) of the surface flow enhancement device 100 is about 1.75 inches.However, this is by way of example only. As noted above, the length (L),width (W), and height (H) may vary depending upon the size of the bodyof the vehicle they are used on and the expected speed of the vehicles.For example, on a mid-sized automobile that will travel at speeds ofbetween 40 and 80 miles per hour, the length (L) may vary betweenapproximately 1 and 5 inches; the width (W₂) may vary betweenapproximately 0.75 and 3.5 inches; and the height (H) may vary betweenapproximately 0.75 and 3.5 inches.

The concavity 720 is a hollow area formed inside of the main surface710, and serves to make the surface flow enhancement device 700 bothlighter and cheaper to manufacture. In the disclosed embodiments, italso allows the main surface to deform slightly as the surface flowenhancement device 700 is affixed to the surface of a vehicle, expellingsome of the air from the concavity 720, and creating a low-pressure sealwith the surface of the vehicle.

The protrusion 730 extends from the main surface 710 into the concavity720 and forms a holder for the magnets 740. In this embodiment, theprotrusion extends toward, but not quite reaching, the flat end of themain surface.

The magnets 740 are contained securely in the protrusion 730, and areprovided to attach securely to the surface of the vehicle when thesurface is a magnetic metal. In the disclosed embodiments, the magnets740 are rare-earth magnets, though alternate embodiments could use othertypes of magnets. In addition, although two magnets 740 are provided inthis embodiment, alternate embodiments could employ one magnet 740 orthree or more magnets 740, each secured by the same or a differentprotrusion 730. Furthermore, although one or more magnets 740 are shownas an affixing element in the disclosed embodiments, alternate elementsfor affixing the surface flow enhancement device 100 to the surface of avehicle can be employed.

FIGS. 8A to 8E are diagrams of a surface flow enhancement device 800according to another disclosed embodiment. FIG. 8A is a front view; FIG.8B is a rear view; FIG. 8C is a left side view; FIG. 8D is a top view;and FIG. 8E is a bottom view.

As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8E, the surface flow enhancement device 800 isgenerally oval, with a back fin, and a flat bottom. The surface flowenhancement device 800 of this embodiment includes a main surface 810, aconcavity 820, a protrusion 830, two magnets 840, and a fin 850.

The main surface 810 forms the oval shape and fin with a flat bottom.This flat bottom allows it to be placed on a relatively flat surface ofa vehicle and allows the main surface 810 to deflect fluid (e.g., air orwater) moving past the surface of the vehicle.

The concavity 820 is a hollow area formed inside of the main surface810, and serves to make the surface flow enhancement device 800 bothlighter and cheaper to manufacture. In the disclosed embodiments, italso allows the main surface to deform slightly as the surface flowenhancement device 800 is affixed to the surface of a vehicle, expellingsome of the air from the concavity 820, and creating a low-pressure sealwith the surface of the vehicle.

The protrusion 830 extends from the main surface 810 into the concavity820 and forms a holder for the magnets 840. In this embodiment, theprotrusion extends toward, but not quite reaching, the flat end of themain surface.

The magnets 840 are contained securely in the protrusion 830, and areprovided to attach securely to the surface of the vehicle when thesurface is a magnetic metal. In the disclosed embodiments, the magnets840 are rare-earth magnets, though alternate embodiments could use othertypes of magnets. In addition, although two magnets 840 are provided inthis embodiment, alternate embodiments could employ one magnet 840 orthree or more magnets 840, each secured by the same or a differentprotrusion 830. Furthermore, although one or more magnets 840 are shownas an affixing element in the disclosed embodiments, alternate elementsfor affixing the surface flow enhancement device 100 to the surface of avehicle can be employed.

The fin 850 is attached to the rear of the main body 810 and is boththinner and higher than the main body 810.

In the disclosed embodiments, the length (L_(3B)) of the surface flowenhancement device 800 including the main body 810 and the fin 850 isabout 2.5 inches, while the length (L_(3A)) of the main body 810 aloneis about 1.65 inches. The width (W_(3A)) of the main body 810 is about 1inch, while the width (W_(3B)) of the fin 850 is about 0.2 inches. Theheight (H_(3A)) of the main body 810 is about 0.5 inches, while theheight (H_(3B)) of the fin 850 is about 0.75 inches. However, this is byway of example only. As noted above, the length (L), width (W), andheight (H) may vary depending upon the size of the body of the vehiclethey are used on and the expected speed of the vehicles. For example, ona mid-sized automobile that will travel at speeds of between 40 and 80miles per hour, the length (L_(3A)) may vary between approximately 0.8and 3 inches; the length (L_(3B)) may vary between approximately 1.25and 5 inches; the width (W_(3A)) may vary between approximately 0.5 and2 inches; the width (W_(3B)) may vary between approximately 0.1 and 0.4inches; the width (H_(3A)) may vary between approximately −0.25 and 1inches; and the height (H_(3B)) may vary between approximately 0.3 and1.5 inches.

Placement and Operation of Surface Flow Enhancement Devices

As noted above, the surface flow enhancement devices 100, 700, 800 canbe placed on the surfaces of vehicles to divert the flow of fluid (e.g.,air or water) around the surface of the device and increase thecirculation of the fluid around the vehicle when it is moving andprevent the friction resistance that can increase the drag that thevehicle suffers as it moves.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the placement of multiple surface flow enhancementdevices 100 on the roof of a car, by way of example. FIGS. 11 to 15 thenshow how the presence of these surface flow enhancement devices 100influences the flow of air past the car.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of a vehicle showing a placement of an array ofthe surface flow enhancement device 100 of FIGS. 1A to 1E on a roof 510of the vehicle 920, according to a disclosed embodiment, while FIG. 10is an overhead view of a vehicle 920 showing a placement of an array ofthe surface flow enhancement device 100 of FIGS. 1A to 1E on a roof 510of the vehicle 920, according to a disclosed embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, multiple surface flow enhancement devices100 are placed on the roof 510 of a vehicle 920. In this embodiment,they are placed in a line 1040 that is formed a distance A from the rearof the roof 510. One of the surface flow enhancement devices 100 isplaced along a centerline 1030 of the roof 510, and the others areplaced a distance B from the others along the line 1040. In thisembodiment A is set to be about 7.5 inches, and B is set to be about 2.5inches. However, this is by way of example only. In other embodimentsthe placement of the surface flow enhancement devices 100 can varydramatically.

In normal operation, without the surface flow enhancement devices 100,air would flow over the roof 510 of the vehicle 920, forming vorticesbehind the vehicle 920 as it moved forward, and these vortices wouldincrease the drag suffered by the vehicle 920. However, as shown inFIGS. 11 to 15, the inclusion of the surface flow enhancement devices100 on the roof 510 of the vehicle 920 significantly reduces theformation of these vortices.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing air flow from above of a vehicle using anarray of the surface flow enhancement device of FIGS. 1A to 1E,according to a disclosed embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing airflow from the right and rear of a vehicle using an array of the surfaceflow enhancement device of FIGS. 1A to 1E, according to a disclosedembodiment; and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing air flow from the rear of avehicle using an array of the surface flow enhancement device of FIGS.1A to 1E, according to a disclosed embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 11 to13, the surface flow enhancement devices 100 break up the flow of theair as it passes over the roof 510 of the vehicle, inhibiting theformation of vortices behind the car.

Similarly, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing isoturbulence from the right andrear of a vehicle using an array of the surface flow enhancement deviceof FIGS. 1A to 1E, according to a disclosed embodiment; and FIG. 15 is adiagram showing isoturbulence from the rear of a vehicle using an arrayof the surface flow enhancement device of FIGS. 1A to 1E, according to adisclosed embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the surface flowenhancement devices 100 break up the flow of the air as it passes overthe roof 510 of the vehicle, reducing the amount of isoturbulence behindthe car.

As shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, the presence of the surface flow enhancementdevices 100 on the roof 510 of the vehicle 920 reduces both the presenceof vortices and the isoturbulence behind the vehicle 920. This reducesthe drag on the vehicle 920, and so the amount of energy required tomove it forward. As a result, this also increases the fuel efficiency ofthe vehicle 920.

Furthermore, although FIGS. 9 to 15 show an embodiment in which severalsurface flow enhancement devices 100 are placed on the back of a roof510 of a vehicle 920, the placement of one or more surface flowenhancement devices 100 on other surfaces of the vehicle 920, or anyother vehicle that passes through a fluid atmosphere (e.g., air orwater). For example, surface flow enhancement devices 100 could beplaced on the front hood, on the back hood, on the sides, or even thebottom of a car; they could be placed on the hull of a ship, they couldbe placed on the fuselage or wings of an airplane, etc. Any vehicle thatpasses through a fluid atmosphere can benefit from the attachment of oneor more surface flow enhancement devices.

In addition, since surface flow enhancement devices are easilyattachable and detachable, they can be added after market, and placedwherever they are needed. And should a better location be found, theycan be easily moved to new locations. In fact, it would be possible forusers without access to sophisticated sensors to simply place one ormore surface flow enhancement devices on their vehicle and measurewhether gas mileage decreases. The user can then adjust the number andplacement of the surface flow enhancement devices as desired until amost efficient configuration is determined.

The user can also adjust the shape of surface flow enhancement devicesused, if multiple shapes are available. For example, if one shape isparticularly effective on one part of a vehicle, and another shape ismore effective on another part of the vehicle, the user can mix andmatch as needed. And if an improved surface flow enhancement deviceshape becomes available, the user can replace the surface flowenhancement devices 100 as desired.

The easy attachment and detachment of the surface flow enhancementdevices also allows for easy maintenance, cleaning, replacement, andremoval. The user need not fear that the surface flow enhancementdevices 100 will detract from the value of the vehicle, nor inhibit aresale, nor that they will wear out and be difficult or expensive toreplace.

Alternate Placement of Surface Flow Enhancement Devices

As noted above, many alternate placement positions are possible forsurface flow enhancement devices. FIGS. 16 to 19 disclose severalpossible alternate placement schemes for an automobile embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an overhead view of a vehicle showing a placement of an arrayof surface flow enhancement devices on a top of a vehicle, according todisclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 16, surface flow enhancementdevices 100 can be placed on the front hood of a vehicle 920 in an arccurving away from the front of the vehicle 920. They can also be placedin a line on the rear roof and sides of the vehicle 920.

FIG. 17 is an overhead view of a vehicle showing a placement of an arrayof surface flow enhancement devices on a top of a vehicle, according todisclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 17, surface flow enhancementdevices 100 can be placed on the front hood of a vehicle 920 in an arccurving toward the front of the vehicle 920. They can also be placed ina line on the rear roof and sides of the vehicle 920.

FIG. 18 is an overhead view of a vehicle showing a placement of an arrayof surface flow enhancement devices on a side of a vehicle, according todisclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 18, surface flow enhancementdevices 100 can be placed on the front hood of a vehicle 920 in a line.

FIG. 19 is an overhead view of a vehicle showing a placement of an arrayof surface flow enhancement devices on a front of a vehicle, accordingto disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 19, surface flow enhancementdevices 100 can be placed in a line on the side of the of a vehicle 920,in a line on a door of the vehicle 920, or in a line on the rear side ofthe vehicle 920.

Various combinations of these and other arrangements can also be made.In addition, although the embodiments above all show an automobile byway of example, surface flow enhancement devices can be used on anyvehicle that passes through a fluid environment. For example, they canbe used on automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes, space planes,helicopters, missiles, drones, ships, boats, and submarines.

Conclusion

This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use variousembodiments in accordance with the invention rather than to limit thetrue, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoingdescription is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventionto the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possiblein light of the above teachings. The embodiment(s) was chosen anddescribed to provide the best illustration of the principles of theinvention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinaryskill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments andwith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scopeof the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amendedduring the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalentsthereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which theyare fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. The various circuitsdescribed above can be implemented in discrete circuits or integratedcircuits, as desired by implementation.

1-21. (canceled)
 1. A detachable surface flow enhancement device,comprising: a structure configured to deflect a moving fluid incidentupon the structure, the structure having a front end, trailing end and afootprint, the structure having a surface area, wherein the front end iswider than the trailing end, and wherein the surface area is about twicean area of the footprint; and an attaching element configured toattached the structure to a submerged portion of a hull of a vessel andto detach the structure from the hull of the vessel without altering thesurface of the vehicle.
 2. The detachable surface flow enhancementdevice of claim 1, wherein the attaching element does not pass throughthe surface of the vehicle.
 3. The detachable surface flow enhancementdevice of claim 1, wherein the attaching element does not employ anadhesive material to attach the aerodynamic structure to the surface ofthe vehicle.
 4. The detachable surface flow enhancement device of claim1, wherein the surface of the vehicle is a substantially smooth surfacewithout perforations.
 5. The detachable surface flow enhancement deviceof claim 1, wherein the aerodynamic structure has a teardrop shape. 6.The detachable surface flow enhancement device of claim 5, wherein theteardrop shape has a length between 1 and 5 inches, and wherein theteardrop shape has a width between 0.5 and 2.5 inches.
 7. The detachablesurface flow enhancement device of claim 1, wherein the aerodynamicstructure has one of a fin shape and an oval shape with a rear fin. 8.The detachable surface flow enhancement device of claim 1, wherein thestructure is one of a plurality of like structures arranged in an arrayon the hull of the vessel.
 9. The detachable flow enhancement device ofclaim 8, wherein the array of like structures is one of a linear array,a regular array, and an irregular array.
 10. A surface flow enhancementdevice, comprising: a structure having a teardrop shape, the structureforming a concavity therewithin, the structure having a front end,trailing end and a footprint, the structure having a surface area;wherein the front end is wider than the trailing end, and wherein thesurface area is about twice an area of the footprint; and an attachmentportion having a substantially flat surface configured to attach to ahull of a vessel, wherein the teardrop shape has a length between 1 and5 inches, and wherein the teardrop shape has a width between 0.5 and 2.5inches, wherein the structure is deformable to expel a fluid from theconcavity, when the footprint is placed onto the hull of the vessel, togenerate an attachment force between the surface flow enhancement deviceand the hull.
 11. The surface flow enhancement device of claim 10,wherein the structure forms a concavity.
 12. The surface flowenhancement device of claim 11, wherein the attachment portion is formedat least as a peripheral portion around a lip of the concavity.
 13. Thesurface flow enhancement device of claim 11, wherein the structurecomprises a first material, and wherein the attachment portion comprisesa second material softer than the first material.
 14. The surface flowenhancement device of claim 13, wherein the first material comprises oneof flexible polyurethane, flexible thermal plastic urethane, flexiblesilicone, or flexible polyvinylchloride, and wherein the second materialcomprises one of flexible urethane, flexible silicone, flexiblepolyvinylchloride.
 15. The surface flow enhancement device of claim 11,further comprising: an attachment element formed in the concavity andconfigured to attach to the hull of the vessel.
 16. The surface flowenhancement device of claim 15, wherein the attachment element includesa securing magnet configured to attach to the hull of the vessel whenthe hull of the vessel comprises a magnetic metal.
 17. The surface flowenhancement device of claim 16, wherein the concavity formed by thestructure is surrounded by a substantially coplanar lip, and wherein theattachment element does not rise to a level of the substantiallycoplanar lip.
 18. The surface flow enhancement device of claim 16,wherein the securing magnet is a rare-earth magnet.
 19. The surface flowenhancement device of claim 10, wherein the structure is one of aplurality of like structures arranged in an array on the hull of thevessel.
 20. The surface flow enhancement device of claim 19, wherein thearray of like structures is one of a linear array, a regular array, andan irregular array.